The Rocky Road to Dublin - Traditional Irish Song

Another of my session favorites, I had the entire song memorized at one point. Too bad it's long and speedy, so I've forgotten nearly all of it. I was trying to re-memorize it yesterday, and I suppose it worked! I was singing it all night in my sleep...

Good Morning!

Drilling - Minus the Bear

The song opens with a reference to a "western Atlantic coast." At first, I'm confused. Then I remember that the rest of the world outside of America exists, and all is right again (at least mentally).

I, however, woke up with the chorus on my mind. I'm moving to Italy in a few weeks, and it's been wearing on me a bit, when my sense of adventure ebbs. Songs about ex-pats tend to drag me down a bit.

My favorite part of this song (or anything by Minus the Bear, for that matter) is the guitar parts. I love bands that actually have musical talent. I don't have Synesthesia, but the cacophony of the various instruments gives me the impression of a colorful whirlwind; chaotic, but with a sort of organization as well.

Meh Morning.

Smile Like You Mean It - The Killers

The first time I listened to "Hot Fuss", this song stuck out like a burning flare on a foggy night. I honestly played it on repeat for at least an hour before continuing on to the rest of the album.

This song is so polished and pretty, which contrasts with the apathetic tone of the vocals, and the downright bummer lyrics. The music video is also pretty cool, if I remember correctly. I could never figure out how Mr. Brightside became a hit single, but this song got relatively nothing. Ah, whatever. People don't know what they're missing.

Good Morning.

Tragedy Bound (Moon Version) - The Bravery

This song kicks so much ass. I love how the blurry bassline contrasts with the sharp guitar. And then the synth kicks in to bubble along in the background. It's almost too much to take. The beautifully tragic lyrics kind of float along, condensing into a powerful dirge in the chorus. I can't help but love the Bravery. Everything is catchy.

Good Morning!


(From July 25)

Effect and Cause - The White Stripes

Grr. I love the old-timey twang of this song. I'm also pretty enamored of Jack White as well (don't tell the boyfriend!). I am terrible with keeping up-to-date with what gets radio play these days, but I cannot remember a single song past "Seven Nation Army" garnering spins on any of the larger radio stations in my area. I really appreciate that the White Stripes aren't in music to appease the media. And hey, Jack keeps pumping out music that I love, so whichever band he happens to be recording with makes me happy.

I really want to start exploring the influences for this music. I've seen several interviews with the White Stripes (or just Jack) and it seems that he gets his inspiration from old scratchy 45's. Time to start scouring the Selvo's.

Good Morning!


(From July 24)

Bad Sun (Sun Version) - The Bravery

The album "The Sun and The Moon" has an interesting history. It was originally released as a regular album. Personally, I wasn't a fan. I just assumed that it was the typical sophomoric burnout that tends to be the rule amongst bands who just can't hack being on a schedule with a real label. THEN the band reworked every single song, and re-released the album as a two disk version, with the original album renamed "The Sun" and the re-recorded album titled "The Moon." This new perspective gave me a whole new appreciation for the songs. Suddenly, it wasn't a blunder - it was brilliant!

This song is hopelessly sweet and catchy, as the sun version. It kicks off with whistling, and puts me in mind of that "Young Folks" song that was popular a few years ago. Whistling is totally under-appreciated. Then again, I've only heard a handful of superb whistlers in my time, all of them crotchety old men working blue-collar jobs.

Good Morning.


(From July 23)

Autoclave - The Mountain Goats

I had no idea what this song was even called, and it was stuck in my head this morning. So I looked it up. The lyrics are something like "my heart's an autoclave." Odd...

Since I then had no idea what an autoclave actually was, I had to look that up, too. It's some sort of pressurized machine that sterilizes whatever you put in there with steam and high pressure. In retrospect, my tattoo artist definitely has a little one next to the copy machine. Autoclave...

I mean, there are lots of instances where song lyrics make no sense, but this one is kind of crazy. I'm of the opinion that the writer meant SOMETHING by it, but I feel like it would have made more sense if his heart was IN the autoclave. See, it's a sad song, and self mutilation and suffering are great ways to show a girl you like her.

Good Morning.